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Monkey Fairness
Posted by The Situationist Staff on February 7, 2009
From Youtube:
A pair of capuchin monkeys show very compelling signs of cooperation and a sense of fairness, by working together to solve a problem using tools, and then sharing the reward.
They also show signs of understanding fairness: when unequal rewards are given to one monkey and not another, the monkey receiving the lesser treat would rather go hungry than accept anything less than an equal reward.
From the BBC documentary "Capuchins: The Monkey Puzzle", narrated by the ever brilliant Sir David Attenborough.
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For some related posts, see "Miscalculating Welfare – Abstract" and "Cheering for the Underdog."
7 Responses to "Monkey Fairness"
February 7, 2009 at 6:53 am
Capuchin's fairness is not so sure. First, De Waal's origional finding has not been replicated by Tomasellos' team. Second, and more important, there several and more simple explanations to such a behaviour. his does not show that monkeys are averse to inequity, only that they reject a lesser reward when better rewards are available. It can also be frustration or envy or even discouragement. Finally, although they hunt collectively, neither dogs nor chimps seem to take into account individual contributions to the hunt when sharing meat (not mentioning the case of capuchin).
See my post on Cognition and Culture.
February 9, 2009 at 3:26 am
[…] outrage is easy to provoke. There's pretty good evidence that the concept of fairness is hardwired into our brains: when we're on the short end of a deal, we'd rather screw ourselves […]
June 30, 2009 at 9:38 am
[…] To download the paper for free, click here. To read a sample of related Situationist posts, see "Robin Hood Motives" and "Monkey Fairness." […]
May 4, 2010 at 12:02 am
[…] "The Situation of Kindness," "New Study Looks at the Roots of Empathy," "Monkey Fairness," "The Situation of Punishment (and Forgiveness)," "The Situation […]
August 25, 2010 at 12:02 am
[…] in Chimpanzees – Abstract," "The Situation of Political Animals," and "Monkey Fairness." Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)The Situation of Experimental […]
October 2, 2010 at 2:48 pm
[…] a sample of related Situationist posts, see "Monkey Fairness," "A Discussion about (In)Equality,""Inequality and the Unequal Situation of […]


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Tindell helps Trinity clinch state final berth
After years of heartbreaking near-misses, the Celtics are marching to state.
Tabby Tindell recorded her third hat trick in four playoff matches to lead an attacking Trinity Catholic squad to a 4-1 victory over visiting Pensacola Catholic Friday night in the Class 2A state semifinals. The win secures the Celtics' first state championship berth in program history, setting up a winner-take-all showdown with Miami Gulliver Prep next Friday in Melbourne.
"There's really no words for it," said Tindell, who missed last year's state semifinal loss with a hip injury. "Being able to come together as a team and just pulling through it after coming so close last year. Everything just came together.
"Hopefully we can keep up the same intensity in Melbourne."
Tindell scored the first of three goals in the sixth minute after the Celtics had already launched a barrage of shots — four on goal, along with a pair of corner kicks — at Crusader keeper Shelby Presnell.
Finally, Tindell gathered in a loose ball and calmly lifted a looping left-footer over a frozen Presnell for the game's first score.
Thirteen minutes later, the senior was at it again. This time Tindell found fellow forward Alyssa Eashoo breaking to the net, feeding her a pinpoint pass. Eashoo checked up, shed her defender, and finished with her off-foot to make it 2-0 before the first water break.
Trinity (19-2-0) continued to move forward despite a defensive-minded approach by the Crusaders, who routinely dropped nine and 10 players back across midfield.
The Celtics fired 16 shots in the first half alone, while holding Pensacola Catholic without a single attempt on goal over the first 40 minutes.
Only three diving saves by Presnell, who stopped eight shots in all, allowed the Crusaders to survive a lopsided first half.
"We wanted to pass the ball around with good communication and keep the pressure on them," explained Trinity coach Blendhel Elias. "We didn't want to give anybody a chance. If you look at the first half, we dominated them completely. The second half was almost the same."
Pensacola Catholic (20-4-4) finally got off its first shot in the 47th minute when senior Meghan Morand's long-range attempt sailed well wide of the left goalpost.
The Celtics immediately counter-attacked. Midfielder Briana Camargo, who once again teamed with twin sister Abigail to dominate play in the middle, raced up the left wing and sent a beautiful crossing shot that Tindell redirected with an outstretched foot to push the lead to 3-0 in the 53rd minute.
"We knew what we were coming into," Crusader coach Breck Smith said of the Celtics. "We knew they were going to have some very good players and they were going to be amped and there was going to be fans.
"But I think we were caught off-guard a little bit by their speed of play, which was a little bit faster than we expected. I mean, Ocala, you don't really encounter a lot of club teams out of Ocala. So we really didn't know what to expect."
The Crusaders broke through six minutes later when University of Florida commit Katie Richmond shook free to chase down a long ball. The senior promptly deposited it into the left corner to cut the deficit to 3-1 with just over 20 minutes to play.
The goal energized the Crusaders briefly, but again Trinity had an answer. And again it was Tindell.
This time she split three defenders as she worked into the box, then crossed up Presnell with a crisp top-shelf shot in the right corner of the net. It was the 50th goal of the season for the county's scoring leader, and her 12th in regional play.
Even her coach, who has seen most of her 160 career goals at Trinity, couldn't help but shake his head.
"She is what you call a complete player," Elias said of Tindell, who is headed to Florida Gulf Coast University in the fall. "When she loses the ball, she runs to get it back. She plays defense, she goes all over the place.
"That's what you call a good player. She's not scared of anybody. It doesn't matter if they're 7-feet-2, she doesn't scare."
Senior keeper Taylor Mosley collected one official save, but sprinted out of the box multiple times to break up long passes intended for the hustling Richmond. The active back line of sister tandem Danielle and Lindsey Pinder along with sweeper Katherine Kelly held the Crusaders to just three total shots, while the Celtics blasted 28 of their own.
Tindell said getting the semifinal monkey off their back was a big relief. But she also indicated that there's one final goal the Celtics have yet to cross off their list.
"It's definitely exciting being able to go to states and having that opportunity to bring home a state title," she said. "But we have to keep our heads on straight. It's not finished. It's not over until that final whistle blows."

subset: commoncrawl


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Gluten free Feta & Dill crackers (with homemade hummus)Photo by Kate Chan
My girls have been asking for "pies" in their lunch boxes lately. I couldn't figure out what they wanted. (Yes, I am the only one who packs their lunches…so yes, I'm … slow. LOL!) They assured me that they had eaten peanut butter and jelly pies with lunch. I was convinced they got snacks at day care.
Turns out they were right.
I have been buying some of the thin, round sandwich thingies at the grocer every once in a blue moon (and especially when I didn't have time to make bread for everyone). They are not big bread eaters actually, so it's been easy to maintain a gluten free house for the most part. (Save for the ubiquitous box of Goldfish crackers. I just can't make enough gluten free mock goldfish crackers to keep up with their demand. But as an FYI, the gluten free ones are preferred.)
Schools doesn't break for summer vacation here until June 23.
And THAT seems very far away at the moment. And thankfully so, I have a ton left to do at work. But I can't wait for some time with my girlies too. I hope we have a warm (not hot) summer and they sun comes to visit. (It goes missing for several MONTHS of the year here in the PNW. If you ever hear me moaning about the lack of sunshine, really… I have reason. I'm totally solar-powered. This no-sun thing KILLS me.)
Recently, I also applied for a freebie sample of coconut oil from Tropical Traditions. I did not receive payment for any review, but was provided with a sample. They also offered a "give away" of one of their jars of coconut oil. I think I actually like this stuff! It is more expensive than buying traditional oils Since so many people have been talking about using coconut oil in lieu of butters, etc, I thought I would give it a try. We've made some fabulously light waffles with it (and the added benefit of coconut smell while oiling the waffle pan was great! It was alike an invasion of summer.) If you would like to try it too, please follow these guidelines:
Congratulations to Stephanie C – Winner!
Win A Quart of Gold Label Coconut Oil from Tropical Traditions!
"Tropical Traditions is America's source for coconut oil. Our Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on our website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil? Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit our website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil."
HOW TO ENTER: For each ENTRY, post ONE comment below. You may receive an "ENTRY" by doing any/all of the following.
Just remember to post a new comment for each – sorry, but it's the easiest way to track entries!
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Gluten Free Feta and Dill Flatbread
- Preheat your oven to 400F.
- Mix together your proofing ingredients: warm milk, sugar and yeast. Set aside.
- Into the bowl of your mixer, add your dry ingredients. Mix.
- Add the wet ingredients. Mix again.
- Add the proofing mixture (which should have puffed up by now).
- Mix together on medium for 2-3 minutes. The mixture will still be wet and sticky but you should be able to scrap it into a large mass within the bowl.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silpat. Grease your hands (I coated mine with the coconut oil). Take the dough in small balls/chunks a tiny bit larger than a golf ball and press them flat onto the parchment paper. Try to do this evenly. (You will have uneven browning spots if you are not careful… or if you are me. 😀 )
- Bake – under a watchful eye as all ovens vary! – for 8 – 13 minutes. (8 minutes for the thin cracker-bread and 10-13 minutes for the pita).
- Remove an allow to cool (if you can) before storing (if you have any left over).
I have successfully doubled this recipe – but I did NOT add another egg. Rather I adjust the moisture by adding more sour cream or Greek yogurt. (Just an FYI if you find that it disappears quickly in your house as well.)
And good luck with your Give-Away Entries!
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Illinois House rejects gross receipts tax plan
The Illinois House went on record Thursday as overwhelmingly opposed to the gross receipts tax proposed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Not one representative voted in favor of a resolution asking if Illinois should adopt the tax. A total of 107 voted against the non-binding resolution and seven voted "present."
Several House members said the resolution will send a message to Blagojevich that the tax has no support in the House and that the governor should begin discussions on some other form of tax increase.
Shortly before the vote, Blagojevich issued a statement asking all House members to vote against the tax he championed just the day before during a Committee of the Whole hearing on the tax.
"Considering that this meaningful dialogue was initiated just 24 hours ago, it would be premature to conclude the discussion today and ask members to make a decision before they have an opportunity to get answers to their questions and offer their ideas,'' Blagojevich said in a statement released Thursday morning. "So we are asking all members to vote `no' to send a clear message that this issue is too important for a rush to judgment on a non-binding resolution.''
Blagojevich's office denied the governor was trying to put a positive spin on a vote he knew he was going to lose.
-- GateHouse State Capitol Bureau


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A number of people have mentioned an issue with today's comic—in the movie Groundhog Day, it's actually implied that Phil, Bill Murray's character, didn't have sex with Rita. He took her home to his room, but they woke up in the same clothes they fell asleep in. I haven't seen the movie in a number of years, but I think they're right—and bit of Googling suggests that I'm not the only one who was confused on that point.
Groundhog Day is, like Office Space, a comedy containing a gimmick that really sticks with you, even as the rest of the story fades. Or, at least, it did with me—I've probably seen the movie a couple of times, but I think I've spent a lot more time dwelling on the time loop scenario it describes. Now that people have raised the question, I'm not even sure that I interpreted the scene this way when I was watching it.
From a sci-fi point of view, the whole idea that the time loop was broken by emotional/personal development seemed kind of cheesy, but I just chalked that up to one of those things movies do because that's how we like stories to work. Nobody wants a movie where the climax consists of an hour of excitedly inferring and testing revisions to the standard model of physics. (Or, at least, there aren't enough of us to support a big-budget movie.) So while drawing my comic, I remembered that the time loop ended after he took Rita back to his room, and I filled in the typical romanticized Sleeping Beauty idea that I assumed had gone with it.
I appreciate the corrections—in addition to being a reminder to double-check pop culture references, it's driven home for me what a neat, original movie Groundhog Day really is.
And now I wonder what kind of misconceptions I have about Ghostbusters.


text:
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Hurricane center: Beware of the storm surge
MIAMI (AP) — During a hurricane, storm surge is one of the greatest threats to life and land, yet many people don't understand the dire warnings from forecasters to get out of its way. So this season, they hope to offer easy-to-understand, color-coded maps and change the way they talk to the public.
Simply put, storm surge is the abnormal rise of sea water. Predicting it is far more complicated, and so is explaining it, as forecasters at the National Hurricane Center discovered, again, during a review of Superstorm Sandy.
"Scientists by their very nature use very sophisticated language, technical language," said Jamie Rhome, leader of the hurricane center's storm surge team. "It turns out that nobody else understands what we're talking about. So once we figured that out, we started using more plain language."
Forecasts during Sandy were exceptionally accurate, but often confusing. Perhaps because so many things contribute to storm surge: intensity, pressure, forward speed, size, where it makes landfall and other factors.
Most people believe storm surge is a wall of water, similar to a tsunami, but it's actually just sea water being pushed toward the shore by winds. It can happen quickly and move miles inland, flooding areas not accustomed to being inundated with sea water.
Large death tolls have been blamed storm surge. At least 1,500 people died during Hurricane Katrina either directly or indirectly because of storm surge, the hurricane center said.
To better explain the danger, forecasters talked to focus groups consisting of local and state officials, law enforcement and hospital associations and other people from Maine to New Orleans. One thing they found out is that when they talk about storm surge, they should say "height" instead of "depth" when explaining how water levels might change.
"We were using 'depth,' thinking this was very clear. It turns out that nobody else does," Rhome said. "They're waiting for height, how high it is, and I would never have guessed in a million years that one word — one word — makes a difference in how people interpret something."
Forecasters also will try to stress that the storm surge isn't just from the ocean and can come from other bodies of water such as sounds, bays and lakes, sometimes well inland.
The hurricane center also plans to show people where to expect storm surge with high-resolution, color-coded maps, much like a radar map on the local news showing rain and severe weather. If forecasters can't post the maps on the hurricane center's website this storm season, which begins June 1, the plan is to have the maps ready in 2014.
The storm season is expected to be a busy one, with federal forecasters on Thursday predicting 13 to 20 named Atlantic storms, seven to 11 of which will strengthen to hurricanes. Three to six of those are forecast to become major hurricanes.
A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration evaluation of the weather service's performance during Sandy also recommended increasing the number of storm surge forecasters at the hurricane center, and providing potential storm surge hazards at least 48 hours before the onset of tropical storm or gale-force winds.
Miami-Dade Emergency Management Director Curt Sommerhoff said his priority is getting the public to understand that the county's evacuation zones are based on storm surge, not hurricane winds.
New data from the hurricane center's storm surge models prompted the county to redraw its storm surge planning zones to include inland areas along canals and rivers that previously weren't identified as being at risk for storm surge.
"That's the new message, the surge danger well inland, well in from the coast," Sommerhoff said.
Separate storm surge warnings, similar to current tropical storm or hurricane warnings, will be rolled out in 2015.
The hurricane center dropped estimates for storm surge and inland flooding from its wind scale three years ago because the predictions often didn't match what actually happened. For example, Hurricane Ike was a Category 2 with winds of at least 96 mph when it hit the Texas coast in 2008, but its storm surges was much greater than a typical Category 2 storm.
"Storm surges can behave so differently from storm to storm that you can't just apply a single number or use a scale like you can with the wind. That's been tough, trying to get people to understand that every storm is different," Robbie Berg, a hurricane specialist who has taken the lead on social science at the hurricane center.
Berg said Hurricane Irene didn't produce the storm surge in 2011 that some expected, and the following year, many people were surprised by Sandy's extreme tides and flooding.
Still, the advisories for Sandy were dramatically improved from the ones for Ike, explaining storm surge in layman's terms and easy-to-read bullet points instead of long pages of jargon that required meteorologists and emergency officials to make their own calculations.
The progress may seem subtle, but Berg believes it's helping emergency managers make better decisions about whether to order evacuations.
"For as bad as Sandy was, it almost makes you wonder what would have happened had we not made some of these changes since Ike," Berg said. "I would hope that because of these new changes, they're more educated and they're more prepared to make those evacuation decisions when needed."
National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov
Follow Jennifer Kay on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jnkay .


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Friday, November 20, 2009
Why Don't I Just Quit My Day Job
BUT: I don't have time to answer all of the emails, and I don't have the inclination to answer some of them. In real life, I always answer emails. If I weren't (semi)anonymous, I would probably feel more pressure to answer all emails, so chalk up non-answering-of-all-emails as another benefit of anonymity.
Here is an example of an email I am not answering, however much I might sympathize with the situation of the person writing it. Perhaps someone else can be more helpful than I can be with this; perhaps someone who is closer to the caring-for-an-infant stage of life than I am and/or who has a bit more time than I do right now and/or who doesn't find this email quite so.. exigeant?
I would really like to know details of how you managed your schedule (balanced your professional work and your life with baby and husband and fit in exercise etc) when you had your baby years ago. .. I would particularly appreciate specific examples especially of day-to-day and/or typical week activities, including grant writing, teaching, writing papers, advising students/post-docs, managing it to make it to the gym, taking care of a needy baby, etc. .. specific examples and ideas would be most appreciated. I would also really appreciate a personal reply.
41 comments:
i would reply to this person in such a manner.
"just do it" ((c) Nike, ~1990).
(and find a non-anonymous mentor)
There are a finite number of hours in the day. When you decided to have kids you decided to sacrifice most of them to raising your kids. Or if you are a better provider your husband should. You are in charge of a human life, no one forced you to be. You don't fit your kid in around you work and exercise and brunches and basket weaving and French lessons, you drop them and look after it.
- Perceval said...
What about "search the archives" or "it depends"? Both entirely legit answers. Because how one manages depends to a large extent on the support networks both at work and at home.
(FWIW, I'm a mum of two, work part-time as a senior research fellow, and boy do I juggle.)
Oh what the heck. I'll take a stab at it.
Life with a new baby is challenging especially combined with a TT position. But it's temporary – it will get better. In the meantime, prioritize, organize, and delegate. Put your effort into what is going to count: grants and papers. Save your precious time in the office for these activities. Work with your door closed and avoid temptation to fritter time away in…oh the usual ways we all fritter time away...answering other people's email.... I spent about 3hrs every night (often after midnight) answering emails and doing other online stuff, which freed up a huge amount of time during the day. Advise only by email. Let your teaching slide. Easiest way to do that is to start preparing for lecture only a couple hours before (or the night before) class. You'll be amazed how efficient you'll become. Does all this sound irresponsible? A lot of people who don't have small kids do all of these things ALL THE TIME. And if you land a big grant with a new baby, no one is going to care about the rest of the stuff. Choose your service commitments wisely. Don't be afraid to say no. If you must go to the gym, go less frequently but for a longer time. That way, you won't waste as much time in transit. Try to incorporate other physical activity in your day (use the stairs, etc.). Walk with your baby. And most importantly, spend time with that baby. Try to free your mind of all your other worries and enjoy that time as best as you can. Your career will still be there in a year. Your baby is going to grow up before you know it.
yeah, totally exigeant.
As someone who has recently done all of the above my best advice is to quit wasting time worrying about things and start doing things. Prioritize your life, don't waste time waiting to find out answers from someone else. What works for one is unlikely to work for another. Children have their own agenda that you can't control theym. And - It won't all get done because no one is that perfect.
- Janice said...
Ah, there's the rub! You want someone to comment who is "closer to the caring-for-an-infant stage" AND who has time? Ha ha ha!
I have 3 kids under the age of 6 but I work at a teaching-focused institution where the pressure to publish is not so high; I live in Canada where we get a full 12 months mat leave by law; and my husband is a stay-at-home Dad.
That's as close to work/life balance as I can get, (outside of "regular work hours", family comes first) and I still have trouble finding time for myself i.e. exercise etc!
Just recently started following your blog - love it!
- Female Science Professor said...
The comment about who has time was sort of a joke..
I'd second the whole "don't fret too much, just get to work". It's amazing how much you can do with only a few hours and letting things be "just good enough and not perfect".
Most problematic is to decide which to let slide.... because somethings usually isn't as perfect as you thought it was going to be. There has to be a prioritizing order, and the family is probably going to be in either of the top three (family/grants/paper/teaching/supervising/committees/other stuff...). why? because when it is too late it is too late.
also, it is a few years with the young kids... and most crucial a few months. That said, hopefully you have a good spouse who wants to share the child rearing if you have a job too.
awesome word--I had to look it up. I'll try to use it in conversation later today. A great word to use in response to "urgent" requests from student sin my classes.
Mark P
Sounds like somebody is trying to research a book.
- Rosie Redfield said...
I would really appreciate your handing over your paycheck to me.
(I occasionally get this kind of thing from students in my freshman biology class ("Please write a special set of notes for me"; "Please spend 2 hours giving me a private lesson"), but I had hoped that adults were less self-centered.)
While you're at it, FSP, would you mind putting that schedule into an Excel spreadsheet, and make sure it's properly formatted so that I can print it out and post it on my fridge? I prefer Arial font, 12 point.
- Female Science Professor said...
I agree with many of the comments, especially the more entertaining ones, and hope that they give the email author a bit of perspective on the nature and style of her request, but let's also recognize what a stressful time it is for her, how much she has to deal with etc. etc.
The part that puts it over the top to me is "I would also really appreciate a personal reply." That turns it from "Hey, I think this would be a cool blog post that would be helpful to people like me" to "please spend all this time on just me!"
Besides - if there's anything one learns from doing as an assistant prof it is that every lab, every prof, every life is different and there is only so much that anyone else's precise coping tips can help!
(It really does strike me like the student who wrote in, having missed 3 classes, to ask if I would personally review each lecture with them.)
Fair enough. I just couldn't resist a little sarcasm.
Honestly, though, sometimes I do wish for some specifics on scheduling, and I wish to have them from FSP in particular. This is for a number of reasons: 1) I suspect that I'm not putting nearly enough time into my work, and that's why I'm having trouble getting published. 2) I'm vaguely considering having a child and I'm really curious about what a realistic schedule would look like; maybe if I saw the cold, hard facts, my desire to have a child would evaporate. 3) I don't trust others as much as I trust FSP to give realistic numbers. On websites where academics discuss how many hours they work, one suspects they're just bragging and trying to out-macho each other. And parents whine all the time about how much time and energy it takes to have kids, but it's all just vague complaining. FSP, on the other hand, never seems interested in using this blog for self-promotion, and she only gets vague when she needs to protect her anonymity.
email@example.com nailed it. This is what you have to do. This is what you have to do ANYWAY, baby or not, but if no baby, you can stay in your office nights and weekends and avoid your wife :D
what an entitled brat that person who wrote you that e-mail is!! And they are a parent too?? And a TT prof (or grad student or postdoc, someone who is in academia)?? gosh what are their kids gonna be like, expecting their teachers to do their homework for them??
I'm not sure that I'd take that email at face value. There's at least one hostile, nit-picking anonymous commenter plaguing FSP. Were it me, that would make me skeptical of requests for the specifics of my schedule and how I spent my time, especially those that seemed demanding in tone.
(Of course, I've only seen the excerpt, and FSP knows her correspondents best.)
- a physicist said...
I don't think the original email was something trying to annoy FSP on purpose. I get emails like this from time to time, requesting way too much information related to something on my website (not on the same topic as FSP). Some of them look like requests for help on homework, and I'm pretty sure the teacher didn't tell the student that they're supposed to email a random person for the answer.
- Janice said...
The number one rule to publish more and win more grants with small children is to do the absolute minimum on teaching and service. And sleep very little. (You compensate by taking vitamins, exercising as much as possible and giving up all other semblance of a real life.)
Note: I failed to follow this advice regarding the teaching and service. Therefore, I didn't publish as much as I should. Still got tenure, but was kind of derailed when it came to getting grants and publications.
And, of course, if you end up with a special needs child, you will discover that the best-laid plans are rarely enough. That's where having your own Time-turner would really rock!
- Cloud said...
I'm inclined to be a bit more sympathetic to the email correspondent, perhaps because I am closer to that initial shock of motherhood and the overwhelmed "how in the world am I going to do all of this???" feeling. I suspect she's just panicking and sleep-deprived and desperate for someone to tell her it will all be alright.
It will all be alright (probably). But I'm still not going to give specifics, because they would be useless. And they would be useless even if I were in academia rather than industry.
Every baby is different. Every mother is different, and every father/partner is different. So the specifics of how I ended up arranging my life to handle the needs of my baby and the demands of my career while keeping enough of the rest of my life to remain sane are irrelevant to any other woman's situation. We all, unfortunately, have to figure it out for ourselves.
What the e-mail writer really needs is someone with whom she can discuss the specifics of her situation (does the baby nap well? Is she a fast writer or a slow one? How did the housework get done pre-baby?) and help her figure out what her specific problems are (not enough uninterrupted time to work on grant proposals? Severe sleep-deprivation interfering with her ability to be an effective adviser? Household falling to bits and causing arguments with her partner?) and brainstorm some solutions.
The demanding tone of the e-mail is irritating because it is rude. Not only is she being inconsiderate in demanding you give her your undivided attention, but also she also apparently has no qualms about intruding on your privacy too. I assume it's a "she" cos men don't tend to freak out like this over work/life balance when they have babies (probably cos it's not usually a problem for them as society is more unfair to women). I would simply ignore such an e-mail.
I agree that the request is obnoxious, but on the theory that the letter writer is sincere albeit lacking some social skills ….
Kudos to Anon@7:40 (4th comment) for providing what this person seems to need most: concrete advice. But I have a question for you. You say, "Advise only by email." Is this really possible? And when you say this, do you have a time frame in mind, as in, do this for the first x months back, or would this extend to a year or more?
Also, I'm surprised that the commenters who complained that the Kidlessness thread (and the associated one over at Isis') was too depressing aren't stepping up with more specific advice. As someone without kids, it's not very reassuring to hear that "you can have kids and your career won't suffer," but that how I accomplish this will be something I've got to figure out on my own.
- Ann said...
Ok I did it, I'm trying to remember how. In the haze of memory it seems to have been an interesting, challenging, fun time.
Hire lots of help, both for housekeeping and the babe.
Live close to your job in a low maintenance house or apt, so you spend minimal time commuting, gardening, house upkeeping.
Dont answer the phone. Let the answering machine pick up and prescreen.
Set your email to a vacation message explaining that you will not be answering most emails.
Instead of going to the gym, get a jog stroller, or find a gym which offers babysitting. Also one which does not have a long commute to get to.
Do not worry about keeping your house in order.
Do very minimal amount of reviewing for journals or grant agencies.
Be very selective on any service.
Only buy clothes that do not need ironing.
Wear minimal or no makeup.
Get a no upkeep haircut, or dont worry about your appearance.
Answer your most urgent or research related emails while nursing.
Hire a college student to help with after daycare nannying, and/or dinner prep and shopping.
Order out a lot.
Do not read blogs, watch TV, or web surf.
Explain that you dont have time while your baby is small to review grants, be on search committees etc.
You will be sleep deprived for the first year, that's just how it is.
Sometimes you might have to bring the baby to work. A young, quiet baby can be held or worn in a snugli while holding research group meetings, office hours etc. My husband even gave a graduate student lecture with the babe in one arm, and adding in his own chalk drawings and occasional babbles. You and your husband can have playpens in your offices.
You can also bring the baby to conferences. Bring the nanny to conferences so you can hand the baby off now and then, like if he is crying and you want to go to a talk or need to give one.
regarding Ann's comment. Thanks, it's (nearly) all good, but for crying out loud, don't bring the kids to work unless, it's a state of catastrophe. Please!
The child will invariably, at one moment or the other, cry, throw a tantrum, scream, be noisy, disruptive etc. Your colleagues will be annoyed and the likelihood of it backfiring is definitely there. They probably won't think about all the hours the child spent quiet (they might not even have known the child was there), but they will certainly consign to memory the odd half hour during which they were getting their eardrums and patience tried.
Dumping the kid to one of the grads might seem like a good solution. However, grads are not cheap babysitters. They might resent being regarded as such. And grads need to get stuff done too. By dumping them a child to supervise, you are intruding on their working hours. You might say, but what if the grad in question does not mind?
However, since grad office tends to come in the 'cubicle farm' variety, you bet that there's a very high likelihood of the child not only intruding on that single kid-friendly grad's schedule, but on all of them. Seriously annoying the 20 odd grads of your department isn't the way to go.
For the grads and your colleagues, they are there for work, and if they cannot concentrate due to a child's wailing, they'll hold it against you (and with good reasons).
Work is not a place for children, period. They might be brought if there's really no other way, but please avoid it as much as you can.
The issue of appropriateness of this email has been discussed ad nauseam. And I agree with the obvious consensus: Just do it.
Yet, the fundamental question persists: American academia brings a lot of stress because virtually nothing is done to help mothers and fathers in the work place. If things were better set-up (maternity and paternity leaves, institution-supported child care, etc.), like in Janice's Canada, I suspect there would still be whiners, but we may see less of the OMG kind of panic at the prospect of having a child.
I'll try to give some specifics too.
I am on my 5th year on the tenure track and quite succesfull getting funding/publishing and I do have a child. When I entered this job, my child was 3.5yo. So not a baby, but not independent either. What I did was this:
1. Woke up at 5-5.30am every morning. Got in the office no later than 7am. Husband was doing morning routine (dressing/washing/taking kid to daycare).
2. Never prepared for one lecture for more than 3 hours. When teaching the same class the second time, the preparation was reduced to 1h. Third time more like 15min. Aimed for a teaching score of 4/5, if it went to 3.5, not big deal. Do not let it go lower than that though. I could tell you what techniques to use to raise your scores with less effort, but they'd boo me here lol
3. Did everything I could to schedule classes at 8.30am. Prepared for them from 5 to 8 am. The rest of the day was spent on grant writing/papers writing.
4. Bare minimum on service. Never volunteered for absolutely anything, did not refuse specific assignments though(they were reasonable). They may mumble that "you don't care", but when they see the $$$ and papers the mumblings will pale.
5. Do not be nitpicking. Do not take 1h to read one page of your student's master thesis. Take 2h to read the entire thesis. Spend time on what matters, not on details that don't matter but just help your ego or something.
I do not agree with this advice:
-do not answer email. not working, you have to answer email. I did it at night mostly.
- advise via email--not good. Take care of your students, you need to graduate a Ph.D. for tenure. Do your best advising your grad students, their results are your papers, do not cut corners here. Take care of their physical and psychological well being, care about them, encourage them constantly, make them work with enthusiasm and let them try their ideas, although sometimes you think they are crazy.
- do not do reviewing for grant agencies and journals---not a good idea!! In fact you HAVE to get on panels. Some say it doesn't matter but it really helps, for NSF at least, if you get to panels. Not only that you learn what is expected, but if the program manager knows you from panels, you have a seriously increased chance at getting funding from them, although they do not admit. Your grant needs to be good anyway, but if it's borderline and they know and like you (did a good job in panels), they'll give it to you. Also, it's good to be in good terms with editors and review some articles.
I do NOT think it's true that you can have a kid and NOT have your career suffer. There is no free lunch, people. UNless, like one commenter said, you intrude on everyone else by bringing your kid along to conferences, group meetings, etc. But that is unprofessional because it is being inconsiderate of your colleagues (how would you feel if all your grad students brought their babies to the group meetings you called? do unto others as you have want to be done unto yourself. Don't expect exceptions to be made just for you to accommodate your wishes). So on that grounds I think your career will suffer indirectly if you attempt to incorporate your kid into your work life to minimize the impact on your career - people will see you as a selfish jerk. And people tend to put less effort in working with people they dont' like.
your career may not be ruined from taking the time off to raise a kid, no. But it is a fallacy to believe that your career can carry on in its original kid-less trajectory at the same pace and level, once you DO have kids. If you are succesful with kids, congratulations, but you would probably have been even more so without (but not that it matters at this point since presumably your joy at being a parent should outweigh any regrets over lost career opportunities).
I just don't think this increasingly prevalent attitude among this generation of new parents of "I want it to have it ALL" is healthy or realistic. And when you attempt to have it all by doing things that intrude on others, that's just being selfish and not a good citizen of society.
- Bonnie said...
I left academia so that I could have kids. I was working 80 hours/week and could not see how children could fit that schedule. In fact, after my second was born, I dropped to a part-time schedule (25 hours/week). That worked really well while my kids were small.
I probably would have stayed at the part-time position for a very long time, but the company was acquired and I lost my job. My kids are now a bit older (9, 7, and 3),so I thought I could try academia again. But I am finding it is still as child-unfriendly as ever. Fortunately, I feel that I spent a lot of time with my kids when they were small, so they can handle more of my being away a lot now.
I am sorry to say this, but if you are going to work at a very high powered job, and a tenure track position at a R1 school is definitely that, you either need a nanny or a husband that does most of the childcare. I have never met a mom in this type of position that didn't have one of these. And you have to accept the fact that you will not be as hands-on of a mom as some others in your neighborhood. You will need a thick skin, believe me!
back to my class prep, on a Saturday afternoon while my husband gets to take the kids on fun outings :-(
Ah, I'm Anon @3.44, forgot to discuss the housework and such. Housework doesn't really matter. Hire a housekeeper by all means!! Best money spent. You can cook on Sundays for 3 days ahead. All in all, you don't have to have a spotless house and gourmet meals every night, don't fret over that. Also, make sure you relax too. Don't work too much nights and weekends, just email, some light reading, don't work yourself to death, it will just lower your productivity.
firstname.lastname@example.com, you're wrong. You can have one kid without your career suffering. One is a breeze. Maximum of 2 kids if the husband shoulders half of responsability. More than that, I agree it's not workable. And I don't understand the bringing the baby to the office idea. Why do we need to bring babies to the office? I never did. Find childcare. A live in nanny is best, but other arrangements work too,if husband helps. When the kid is sick, work from home, get a babysitter or alternate with your husband staying home. Not a big deal.
Everyone wastes some time, if they don't have kids, they have hobbies, or are just .... (this was offensive lol) who don't do anything much, just walk around bothering everybody :D
In any case, if you have kids AND are a woman, like Mrs Mentor says, make sure you hide them from your colleagues. That means, don't bring them to the office, don't talk too much about them at work etc. You may encounter narrow minded individuals who think you cannot have a career AND kids bc. they didn't and are envious, or bc. they are just narrow minded or sexist. If you are a man, you can talk about the kids all you want and bring them to the office sometimes, everybody will think you are a wonderful man and father and no less of a scientist [:D] That's the tough reality. But because we, women, are smarter and stronger, we can do it despite all of this!! [:D]
- Ann said...
Look, its for only a small fraction of the totality of one's career than one is dealing with raising small kids. Statements like "it is a fallacy to believe that your career can carry on in its original kid-less trajectory at the same pace and level, once you DO have kids." seem like overstatements. Soon enough the kids will be old enough to no longer need or desire constant attention, and time management will get easier.
Just to clarify: I wasn't saying never do grant reviews,answer emails, or get on committees, just do a reduced amount while the baby is small.
And I disagree that one should never bring the kid to work. Sometimes, the kid is too sick for daycare, or the daycare or nanny have a day off. Also, before the babe is 3 months old, he is too young for daycare, and needs to nurse frequently. Science requires lots of talking with collaborators, and usually this is easiest in person. So, for a few months, one sometimes has to juggle. Yes, you need to be responsible about not bothering people, and yes one can sometimes work from home, or juggle the baby with one's husband, but babies sleep a lot. Mine always slept best while being carried. Even while awake, before they are mobile and verbal they can be fairly simple. My daughter and son often enjoyed being held in one arm while I discussed physics with people and wrote on the blackboard with the other--they didn't know or care what I was talking about but liked to be near me.
And I would rather have a student with a child care problem bring the kid in than miss a meeting.
Why hide the kids from colleagues? When you do encounter narrow minded individuals who think you cannot have a career and kids then just ignore them.
I do find it weird that people would consider not having kids because their career might suffer. If your career is more important to you than having kids then, yes, you shouldn't have kids. You don't try and fit kids into the rest of your life. You juggle everything else around the kids' needs. But you shouldn't give up the career to devote your life to the kids either--they will grow up and move out and wont want to be the center of your life forever. Even when they are in the upper years of grade school they don't want you hovering and smothering.
- Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde said...
Am only a postdoc, not TT (yet) but echo the advice here. I'm only working an 8.5 hr day because of my 3-month-old, but I make each minute count. I scrounge a little yime to work on my bus commute. When I'm at work, I go full-bore (except for the pumping breaks! we'll see how long that lasts...) I answer emails while breastfeeding. I read blogs while breastfeeding late at night...My husband works 9:30-6:30 and I work 7:45-4:15. I hate eating out a loy so I cook and prep part of dinners on Sundays. Housekeeping and personal care standards are very very low.
And I try to make things easy on my husband, and he does the same for me. Having a happy marriage probably saves both time and sanity.
- EliRabett said...
FSP provides an excellent example of time management. She posts every weekday at a few minutes after midnight. And so to bed.
Ann, hide the kids if you are a woman, because if you have narrow minded individuals in your tenure commitee, not doing so might potentially hurt your chances. In the end, it's an image game, really, is not what you are doing, but how you are seen (of course, you have to be good on paper too). If you went through tenure already, congratulations, you don't have to do it anymore and you were lucky to have nice people in your department. If the kid is sick, I think staying home and rescheduling meetings is best. I went even further than that, when staying home with the sick child, I sometimes said I was sick or some other excuse not involving the child, tried not to bring the child up too much. Now that I have grants and such, and the kid is older, I admit I am less careful about this, but still try to avoid bringing up problems with the kid as the reason for me staying home or leaving early (which I do anyway and probably everone knows why but is better not to say it in their face). That's my advice. I admit I'm a little paranoid, as a result of some traumas I had when pregnant (been treated badly/disrespectful bc. of that) and as a postdoc with a 2yo (was fired bc. of sick kid, leaving early etc). So in the next job, I decided Mrs. Mentor is right, you have to hide the children. Put them in your basement LOL
- Cloud said...
@Hope- I think the variations in the advice being given proves my point: every working mother's situation is different. How other people manage may provide some useful ideas, but no one else can provide a blueprint for how it will work best for you and your family.
However, I really do think that in most cases it works out fine. You'll solve the problems that you face. If you're like me, you'll have moments where you think you can't do it and maybe even cry and say something to that effect to your husband... but then you do it. And there will be other moments where you feel like superwoman. Really, it comes down to problem solving- taking the constraints in your situation and figuring out how to make it all work. And most scientists are pretty good at problem solving.
you need to have a good husband who will be supportive of you and split the work (and who is actually useful. i.e. someone who will take action and do the work not just give you encouragement so you can go do all the work yourself!!). That's the key.
In regards to the mini-controversy between Ann and Anon 01:21 - I don't think Ann was suggesting passing the child off to her graduate students (which indeed would be extremely unprofessional/etc., etc.) but hiring an unrelated college student (perhaps in child psychology??). Very good idea!
- Ann said...
yes anon04:45, i never even thought of hiring a grad student to sit--that would clearly be inappropriate. I have had many wonderful babysitters who were university undergrads. Universities are full of bright, hardworking students who need jobs and are reliable, fun, and good role models for the kids. Also the first one I had remarked that "it is very good birth control" to learn how much work new babies require!
- Meadow said...
My favorite "I need to miss your class how will you help me compensate for it" (said politely). On receiving my generic answer on taking notes from a classmate. "No, I meant how will YOU compensate."
But like FSP said she's overwelhmed and just wants some specifics. Been there, done that. My advice remember you may not be able to accomplish much and plan on how you will catch up in a few years. And count yourself lucky if you have a job while having kids. Too many women get kicked out one way or the other after having kids. Plan on what to do if this job doesn't work out. Make plans that will give you a feeling of control.
"And I disagree that one should never bring the kid to work. Sometimes, the kid is too sick for daycare, or the daycare or nanny have a day off. Also, before the babe is 3 months old, he is too young for daycare, and needs to nurse frequently."
The last reason is logical and understandable. As is the occasional "daycare is closed/nanny is home sick" day.
Bringing a child to work because he/she is sick, on the other hand, is incredibly selfish. Exposing your co-workers to your child's virus so that they can get sick too? Not fair. Take the day to work at home with baby and let the rest of the department stay healthy.
This reminds me a lot of the types of emails students write when they want you to write their essay for them.


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Md. ban on grain alcohol hurts violin makers
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Binge drinkers and frat boys aren't the only ones despairing over Maryland's new ban on grain alcohol: Violin makers who used the liquor to make varnish are also affected.
Silver Spring violin maker Howard Needham tells The Washington Post (http://wapo.st/1sVB1y0) that nothing works better than Everclear grain alcohol for making the varnishes he uses to repair chipped or broken musical instruments. He's been hoarding whatever grain alcohol he can get his hands on since the ban took effect last month.
Other violin makers report similar concerns.
Maryland became one of several states to ban sales of alcohol at 190 proof or higher. Leaders at Maryland's colleges and universities supported the ban, saying students abused grain alcohol as a cheap way to get drunk.


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Every Day Is Halloween
It is fitting that, as Hallowe'en approaches, I am looking more and more like a zombie. A zombie with a bit of a bulge around the middle, which doesn't seem quite right, but still: I've got the vacant look and the darkly-circled eyes and the pallor of an old white sheet that's been washed once too often with dirty grey socks. Throw in some periodic groaning and heaving and much, much lurching and you've got the barely-living dead, for sure.
That's what weeks of nausea and vomiting and, now, many days of anxiety-induced and nausea-aggravated insomnia will do. I am now the walking pregnant dead. Should be good for scaring the children.
Wonderbaby is ready for Hallowe'en, too. She's going as an extra from the Brady Bunch movie, or HBM-circa-the-mid-seventies, depending upon whether I can get the wig to stay on her head. The thing is, I don't know what to do with her once I've got her costumed. She seems too young for trick-or-treating - and in any case, I'm not keen to get her started on the whole hoarding-candy thing - but she still seems old enough to get into the fun of Hallowe'en.
So do we just keep her in, helping to open the door and give out treats to the little ghouls and goblins and ninjas and bees who come a-callin' (in which case, how do we keep her little paws away from all of the candy that the other kids are getting? I'm anal about candy - for her, not for me. I like candy, too much. I know, it's hypocritical, but whatever) - or what?
Nobody tells me about this stuff. How I am supposed to know what to do?
When did your kids start - or when will they start - trick-or-treating? How do you - will you - negotiate the whole candy thing? Or is Hallowe'en just a big ol' festival of evil and I should high me to a church and forget all this nonsense?
*(Undying - er, undead - respect if you get the reference of the title of this post.)
Labels: halloween, wonderbaby dress-up


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Situationist Contributor Mahzarin Banaji Speaks at HLS
Posted by The Situationist Staff on October 10, 2012
Dr. Mahzarin Banaji
Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People
Friday, October 12 at 5:00 pm
Wasserstein Hall, Room 2019
Harvard Law School
1585 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA
Followed by a public reception at 7:00 pm
Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People*
Mahzarin R. Banaji , Richard Clarke Cabot Professor of Social Ethics at Harvard University
Most human beings take seriously the idea that their behavior ought to be consistent with their stated beliefs and values. The last fifty years of research in psychology has challenged that possibility by revealing that our minds operate, much of the time, without conscious awareness. Professor Banaji will speak to the question of how well-intentioned people behave in ways that deviate from their own intentions, and how this state of affairs compromises our decisions in legal, medical, financial, and political contexts.
*Book to be published February 2013
This is the keynote address of our Cooper v. Aaron conference. Please RSVP here if you plan to attend this talk.
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This entry was posted on October 10, 2012 at 12:01 am and is filed under Illusions, Implicit Associations, Life, Situationist Contributors, Social Psychology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


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7 DIY Holiday Wreaths
Traditional flavor
Santa postcard cookies bring a sweet surprise to a Christmas wreath, as pictured on the cover of the November/December 2011 Midwest Living® .
Insert pine clippings into a moistened floral foam wreath. Add carnations and sprigs of holly berries. Using florist's wire, secure other accents: candies, ornaments or pinecones. Cookies, attached with glued-on wooden picks, top off the delish display.
Season's Greetings Cookie Postcards recipe
Wreaths of green
A grouping of three to five boxwood wreaths adds up to one stylish statement on a wall that needs Christmas cheer. We added olive green accents, such as velvet ribbon and a hanging ornament, for simple tone-on-tone looks.
Find boxwood wreaths at local garden centers or tree farms. Or to make your own, start with a wire wreath frame. Secure florist's wire to one end of the frame. Bunch four to six boxwood sprigs, wrapping stems with the wire and securing to the frame. Repeat, overlapping branches so stems are hidden underneath foliage. Make three sizes for a casual, asymmetrical holiday display.
Resources: Boxwood wreaths Bachman's (866) 222-4626; bachmans.com or Teufel Holly Farm (800) 525-2692; teufelhollyfarms.com Velvet ribbon Midori. midoriribbon.com General This and other wreaths, crafts supplies, ornaments and wreath forms are available at Hobby Lobby. (800) 888-0321; hobbylobby.com
Soothing blues
Shiny ribbons and ball ornaments in shades of blue create a calm and bright scheme.
We covered a foam wreath with a mix of powder blue satin and grosgrain ribbons. First, glue wide ribbon around the interior and exterior edges of the wreath form. Then cut three to four rolls of ribbon into 9-inch strips with pinking shears. Fold each ribbon piece into thirds and attach with fern pins. Pin coordinating ball ornaments on top. It's a blue Christmas you'll embrace!
Resources: Ribbons Double-faced satin. Midori. midoriribbon.com
Natural tones
For a wreath that lasts from fall through Christmas, try this brown and gold arrangement.
Wire dried artichokes, lotus pods and pinecones to the bottom of a grapevine wreath. Tuck brown- and gold-tinted magnolia leaves (from a crafts store) between twigs. If needed, secure leaves with hot glue. A glittery bird ornament perched on a pinecone (and secured with wire) adds shimmer.
Holly jolly pink
An old sweater becomes a warm and welcoming wreath with a few snips.
Cut sleeves from a sweater, and separate along seams. Stretch each sleeve tightly around a foam wreath form, securing in back with fern pins. Pink felt holly leaves, pinned to one side of the wreath, add holiday charm. Before pinning, pinch leaves to give them shape. Download our holly leaf pattern below. Matching hot-glued pom-poms become bunches of bright berries.
White and silvery crimped-paper circles form a light and whimsical wreath.
To make shapes, cut scrapbooking papers into 4x6- and 3x5-inch sheets. Pull sheets widthwise through a paper crimper (available at crafts stores). Following crimp marks, fold like an accordion. Make a fan by folding paper in half and gluing ends. Join two "fans" for each circle. Use T-pins or hot glue to attach about 25 of them to a 12-inch foam wreath. Jewel-like or holiday brads, centered on medallions, finish the project with flair.
Resources: Backdrop T7047 Metallic Silver wallpaper. Thibaut. (800) 223-0704; thibautdesign.com
Red-hot holiday
Insert cut flowers (roses, cockscombs and Amaryllises) into a moistened 15-inch florist's foam wreath. You'll need eight to 12 stems of each. Attach two to three bunches of artificial grapes with u-shape fern pins. Mini faux red apples, attached with wood floral picks, accent the crimson creation. For a lasting decoration, replace live flowers with silk ones.
More holiday decorating ideas
Click below for more great holiday decorating tips and ideas.Related Links


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The Conservation Center has got to be the most fascinating area behind the scenes at LACMA. Recently I dropped in on Don Menveg, associate conservator in the Objects Department, who was in the process of restoring a wooden panel with carved bone from eighteenth-century Mughal India that was once part of a prayer rug stand.
On this panel there are two long areas of damage (or "loss," as they say in the conservation world) running vertically at the connection between the joints of the three wooden panels which are enclosed in a rail frame. While the foundation of solid wood appears to be inlayed with bone, it's actually appliqué, meaning the bone is nailed into the board and then the gaps are filled with many small pieces of a decorative tropical wood.
The surface was most likely uneven and then sanded down to be smooth. The loss of the inlay probably occurred because of wood's characteristic of expansion and contraction in response to changes in temperature and humidity. In order to repair this rather unique object, Don had to do his own experimenting with different techniques and materials before arriving at a aesthetically pleasing and chemically stable solution. He tried using various animal-based glues and natural fibers such as ground coconut shell to achieve the right color and adhesive properties he was looking for.
Don's repairs involve many steps. He begins by using a chisel to carefully remove exposed fiber and glue from the surface of the wooden foundation where the decoration has been lost. He photographed the intact portions and then traced the pattern onto a bone folder (a thin sheet of bone used by paper conservators to fold paper). He then cuts out the bone (which has been soaked in tea to give it a more aged color) and glues it into place with an organic glue made of fish skins. He chose not to nail it down because he wants his repairs to be somewhat obvious to viewers.
The gaps between the bones are filled with very thin strips of rosewood veneer, which is glued down with a mixture of mahogany sawdust and hot rabbit-skin glue. The sawdust acts as a fibrous medium to bond the wood pieces to each other, but it also has the ability to expand and contract at a similar rate to the wood, preventing future loss of the inlay. Don prefers to use all organic materials so the additions will be in harmony with the rest of the piece.
Aaron Ziolkowski, Collections Information Intern


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Now those of you who go to the Washington Nationals games at Nationals Park don't have to rely on our standings page to track presidents race results. On Wednesday night, for the first time since the Nationals moved to their new stadium, the presidents race standings were featured on the on the centerfield wall scoreboard. For some reason, it took the Nationals a full half of the home season to bring back this tradition which we'd come to expect at RFK Stadium.
Better yet, the Nationals have begun showing the current standings during the presidents race. It looks awfully cool as the presidents race by the 14-foot high out-of-town scoreboard wall. I'm sure the team figured that if you were looking for score updates from around the league during the presidents race, then you had to be a loser anyway.


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Namecheap Review
If you are looking for cheap domain registration and web hosting, then you should look no further than Namecheap. This budget-friendly provider has been accredited by ICANN as a domain name registrar. Namecheap currently has over 11 million registered users and more than 10 million domains. You can also register your domain name for as little as $9 per year, making it an excellent choice for a small business. Read on to learn more about Namecheap.
Unreliable customer service
Namecheap's customer support is not very responsive. Customers have to wait days to hear from a representative. This is a shame considering the amount of money you will spend to get your domain name. The company provides both live chat and a support ticket system. In the event you need assistance with any aspect of your account, you can also visit its knowledge base or API Docs. The support staff at Namecheap is also available by email or live chat.
Namecheap's reputation as a top-tier domain registry has been questioned over the years. Namecheap's customer service is not reliable. Although they offer live chat support their customer service is not as responsive than their competitors. Luckily, Namecheap also has a ticket system and a live chat option. Namecheap's customer service is lacking phone support.
Namecheap's customer service is not reliable for most people. While it may seem like an inconvenience, this doesn't mean you shouldn't use their services. Namecheap has a long history as a web host and over three million customers. They've worked out their kinks, but their product is generally good. In addition to their excellent uptime percentage, Namecheap has a knowledge base where customers can find information on common questions.
Cheap domain registration
Namecheap is a reseller that can help you register domain names for your business. These companies sell domains that are registered through them, and their prices are extremely affordable. They also offer web hosting services so it is a great way of saving money. This article will look at some of the reasons why registering a domain name through a reseller is cheaper.
Besides cheap domain registration, you can buy domains with a number of other services as well. Namecheap offers affordable hosting packages as well as WhoisGuard privacy protection that protects your personal data from unwelcome parties. DNSSEC security protects your website against fraudulent activities, and Namecheap offers a professional email address for free for two months. You can continue to use this service for $0.74 each month.
Namecheap and Google Domains have different prices for domain registration. Namecheap charges a flat price for new domain registration, while GoDaddy charges a per-year fee for renewals. However, both companies offer promo prices for transferring domains. Domain registration prices vary depending on the length of the registration. Longer registration periods typically result in lower per-year prices. Namecheap has more features than GoDaddy.
Unmetered bandwidth
Namecheap offers domain registrations at a lower price. Namecheap also offers cheap web hosting plans with unlimited bandwidth and a free website builder. Namecheap offers a free SSL certificate and a 30-day money back guarantee. This is why many people prefer to use this provider for their web hosting needs. The downside, however, is that you can only host a limited number of domains on their servers.
Namecheap offers many reasons to sign up for web hosting plans. Namecheap provides unlimited bandwidth and supersonic CDN. They also offer unlimited data and back up support. The hosting company also offers domain and SSL certificates, as well as a control panel and free applications such as a website builder. They offer domain keys and support in phpMyAdmin and Ruby as well as Python. Furthermore, Namecheap also offers a free script installer called softaculous.
The company has several shared hosting plans and separate plans for VPS and dedicated servers. You can even customize your plan by CPU, RAM, and price range. Namecheap offers some of the most affordable shared hosting plans available. The starter tier plan gives you unlimited bandwidth and storage for three websites for just $1.58 a month. Additionally, Namecheap offers privacy protection for its customers. These plans are affordable, but you should consider other factors before making a decision.
Domain transfer fee
The Namecheap domain transfer service is a convenient and easy way to transfer your domain from one hosting provider to another. Log in to your Namecheap account to begin the process. Navigate to the Transfer' page. From here, find the domain you want to transfer and click 'Manage'. The next step is to enter an Auth/EPP number. To continue, click 'Yes'. Once you have submitted your EPP/Auth code, you can continue with the transfer.
You will need to enter the authorization code to transfer a domain name from Namecheap. Namecheap will send an email to the Registrant with an authorization code to be entered during the transfer process. This email should be accessible to you so that you can copy it later. Click the 'Authorization code' field and then paste the code. Once you are done, you can transfer the domain to another provider.
Before transferring a domain, you'll need to make sure the domain hasn't recently expired. In this case, the losing Registry may cancel renewal. If the domain is pointed to a custom DNS server it won't experience downtime. However, if it is, it will experience downtime. To minimize downtime, it's recommended to use a public email service.
Domain renewal fees
Namecheap charges a low renewal cost for domain names if you aren't aware. Typically, you only need to renew a domain name once per year. The renewal price is the same as the registration cost and most registrars will give you updates prior to the expiration date. Namecheap can also carry over any time you have not used from your previous registrar. The renewal price is about the same as the original registration fee, which is an incredible savings!
Namecheap offers several useful features, including Bulk Domain Name Search and Marketplace. Bulk Domain Name Search allows you to enter up to 5,000 keywords, and excludes premium and unavailable domain names. Click search to view results in seconds. In addition, the Namecheap marketplace allows you to buy and sell domains. You can also sell domains to other Namecheap users. It's a great way for you to sell your domains and earn a return on investment.
Namecheap's renewal pricing is competitive with other domain registrars. Namecheap does not increase prices significantly after the first year unlike other registrars. Namecheap is not the only company that charges high renewal costs. Its prices are based on market averages, so you can expect a good return on your investment, if you're satisfied with their services.


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Today's Music: Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings – This Land Is Your Land
What a week! Canada Day! The 4th of July! I stubbed my toe! Truly, a week of celebration. And what else was there to celebrate? Why, blogs of course! Here's some of what I saw…
Rutabaga went to Mexico. Steph Rogers is making tea cozies, and Michelle is practicing self-defense.
Oh, and from the great news department, Nicole Marie got married!!!
Thanks to them and all of you for what was truly a great week of tales from the 'sphere.
But last week, we also wondered about the big US celebration, Independence Day. Specifically, we asked how you were going to spend it. Here's what you said. (As always, my comments are sparkly in italics.)
Having a few beers and eating chocolates 🙂 Andro
(So nothing special then…)
Kissing everyone else's wives 😉 Andro
(And the private investigators their husbands hired will thank you for it!)
Waving flags and licking naspberry ripples, oh I mean raspbe You know? 🙂 Andro
(Wow, how much jelly did you dribble on yourself?)
Gobbling things, well the ladies seem to enjoy it so why complain? 🙂 Andro
(Nah, they just like watching guys stuff hot dogs down their throats. Hubba hubba.)
modifying legal fireworks to be otherwise. thematticuskingdom
(That's not a firework. THIS is a firework.)
Singing! It's Thursday!
(Gah! Karaoke night AGAIN???)
Enjoying watching other people violate the law.
(It's more fun to watch when they get caught!)
Imagining you in a red, white & blue lederhosen. SnaapyG
(There's a thin line between patriotism and treason…)
Eating jelly and peanut butter sandwiches 🙂 Andro
(Okay, white bread and blue jelly. Where's the red?)
Kicking ass and chewing bubble gum 🙂 Andro
(And you're all out of kick- no, wait…)
Checking out all the available crumpet 😉 Andro
(Nono, in this country, they're "muffins".)
hiding from alien invaders and waiting for Will Smith to save me – Revis
(Sadly, only Hitch showed up…)
I'll be crying my eyes out. Wait wrong question. (Marie Nicole)
(It's not often I can't think of a reply. But when I do, it's to an answer like this. Stay
thirsty weird, my friend.)
Bloated, sweating, jealous of people drinking, but on a boat! Quirky
(Aren't there enough drinking people to be jealous of, on land?)
We'll be dressing up like the founding fathers for the traditional quill hunt. Linda Vernon
(Won't it be too warm for diapers and bonnets and- Ohhhh…thought you said "foundling"…)
Is it July already? (Addie)
(Don't tell anyone. Maybe we can get another June out of 'em…)
Practicing arson, like everyone else. Red.
(Only the truly gifted use fireworks to practice self-mutilation!)
Except you do not get caught when you do it properly. *grins* Red.
(I prefer an elaborate ruse so others are blamed. I start planning in February.)
apparently w/o sex b/c it's already spent….Rutabaga
(Is this a euphemism for "fireworks"?)
doing typical Thursday things…In Canada we celebrate our anniversary on July 1
(So much for the positive influences of the US…)
I will be at work on July 4th. Yay me and ma Canadian ways! Kayjai
(Wow, those Canada Day hangovers end fast!!)
Peeling the 'made in china' stickers off all those little US flags BrainTomahawk
If you can remember it then you didn't have enough fun in the first place – Revis
(Fortunately, the police report filled in all the blanks…)
Wondering how we mutated from our genetic base of cool dudes. Elyse 54.5
(And now I'm just depressed.)
Congratulations to BrainTomahawk for this weeks winning answer! And from the offered choices, the most popular was the same as July 3rd. What? I'm not American. (Bloody Yanks…). So congratulations, all you foreigners!
Now that we're deep into summer (even our friends from Norwegia), it's time to deal with a problem close to all our hearts. Or at least, our veins.
They're everywhere. And in this poll too. So what we want to know is what are your tried and true methods for dealing with them?
Answer as often as you like, but do it by 2359 EST on Wednesday, 10 July, because that's when this one ends.
(And if you leave an "Other" answer, leave a way to identify you,and I'll link back next week.)
And until next time, enjoy this.
(And for those I've just met, Yes. Id be stupid enough to try this.
As the pilot or the jumper.)


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Security researchers at Columbia University have accused HP of selling printers with a flaw that could let hackers gain remote control over the devices. Once compromised, the access can be used to steal personal information, attack networks, and even set printers on fire by feeding them a continuous stream of instructions designed to heat them up.
The researchers, funded by government and industry grants, reported the flaw to federal officials and HP this month, and gave a demonstration to MSNBC, which has an extensive article on the subject today. HP told MSNBC that it is reviewing the details, but denied that the problem is as extensive as claimed by Columbia PhD student Ang Cui and Professor Salvatore Stolfo.
Cui and Stolfo say they can remotely install malicious software onto HP LaserJet printers because the printers accept software updates without examining digital signatures, and check for updates each time they accept a print job. "In one demonstration of an attack based on the flaw, Stolfo and fellow researcher Ang Cui showed how a hijacked computer could be given instructions that would continuously heat up the printer's fuser—which is designed to dry the ink once it's applied to paper—eventually causing the paper to turn brown and smoke," according to MSNBC. "In that demonstration, a thermal switch shut the printer down—basically, causing it to self-destruct—before a fire started, but the researchers believe other printers might be used as fire starters, giving computer hackers a dangerous new tool that could allow simple computer code to wreak real-world havoc."
The researchers also showed how a hacked printer can be forced to send tax forms and other sensitive documents to criminals, and said the flaw could also be used to disable printers by the thousands. Printers hooked up to computers could also be used to launch attacks and join botnets, they say. Cui tells Ars that such an attack "can be sent though several vectors, the USB connection [from a printer to a computer] is one of them. Once the malware is on the printer, the printer itself can become part of a botnet, or can be controlled by malware on the host PC, or can potentially be used to attack the PC, etc."
However, HP Chief Technologist Keith Moore disputed many of the researchers' claims. In an interview with MSNBC, Moore said HP's printers have required digitally signed firmware upgrades since 2009; that most home users have InkJet printers that do not allow remote upgrades; and that printers behind a firewall are not vulnerable to the flaw. The researchers, however, say models with the flaw are still being sold in major office supply stores.
Although the researchers' claims have caused HP to take notice, Cui and Stolfo have not yet published any research on the vulnerability. A search of the National Vulnerability Database does turn up other flaws in HP printers that could allow remote attacks. With regard to the newly discovered vulnerability, Stolfo tells Ars in an e-mail "the formal publication is in preparation but not yet available."
Update: An HP spokesperson acknowledged the security vulnerability revealed by the researchers, but denied that it could be used to start a fire under any circumstances. "Speculation regarding potential for devices to catch fire due to a firmware change is false," an HP spokesperson told Ars. "HP LaserJet printers have a hardware element called a 'thermal breaker' that is designed to prevent the fuser from overheating or causing a fire. It cannot be overcome by a firmware change or this proposed vulnerability."
HP says it is working on an update to mitigate against the vulnerability. In the meantime, it warns against leaving printers connected to the Internet without the benefit of a firewall and notes that printers on private networks could be compromised by firmware upgrade from a malicious party or a "corrupted print job" triggering a firmware upgrade in "some Linux and Mac environments."


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A tree planted in Los Angeles to honor former Beatle George Harrison has been killed — by beetles.
Councilman Tom LaBonge says the pine grew to more than 12 feet tall before succumbing to a bark beetle infestation.
The tree was removed last month. LaBonge says it will be replanted in the fall.
After Harrison's 2001 death in Los Angeles, the pine was planted near Griffith Observatory. A small plaque at the base commemorates the guitarist and songwriter, who had a deep appreciation of gardening.
LaBonge says several trees at Griffith Park have been killed by the beetles.
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5 simple ways to boost your home's value
In this economy, any little thing you can do to save money, make money or improve value is a mark in the win column.
When most people move into a new home, they have big plans and a major wish list. Once they get settled in and get used to the home's quirks and lack of time, the list becomes smaller.
But not all home improvements require tons of free time. There are many small ways to improve your home's value and if you set aside just a few hours at a time, you'll have a major list of things done in no time.
So, roll up your sleeves and play in the dirt, brush off that old screwdriver your dad gave you and put it to good use. Brighten your home and update those vanities, and channel your inner Picasso. You'll be done before you know it.
No. 5: Improve your curb appeal
The first thing people see when they arrive at your home is the outside. So it stands to reason the quickest way to add value to your home is to improve your curb appeal.
Fill in the dead spots in your lawn with a special patching mix from your local hardware store, or regular grass seed. Throw it down, keep it watered and watch your lawn green up.
Add some landscaping around the front step. Plan out how far you want the landscape bed to come out from the house and clear the area, leaving just the dirt in which to add your plants. Talk to experts from your local garden center and find low-maintenance plants that thrive in your area. Adding mulch around your plants is a great way to hold in moisture and keep the weeds at bay.
Solar landscape lighting is a great accessory to your new landscape; it adds visual interest and doesn't involve wiring.
No. 4: Updating deferred maintenance
You know that squeaky bathroom door? Or the doorknob that's about to fall off? Let's tackle those projects this weekend.
Pick up a bottle of WD-40 and take care of all of the creaky, squeaky hinges in your home. It will create a quieter environment and make you feel better about your home.
Pull out that old screwdriver and take care of all of the cabinet hardware and doorknobs that are loose. Missing some? Take an existing piece to your local hardware store and match it the best you can; take a few hours on a Saturday afternoon and update those missing pieces. You will create a more completed look in your home and in the process, you have increased your home's value.
Fill in cracks in your wallboard or plaster walls using spackle; let it dry and then lightly sand it using sandpaper, then paint over it using a matching paint color. Now your home is updated and looking good.
No. 3: Improve your home's lighting
One of the easiest ways to date your home is with old light fixtures. If someone walks in and immediately recognizes lights from the '70s or '80s, it might be time to update.
You can get inexpensive lighting updates at your local hardware or big box store. You can buy a matching collection of pendent lights, ceiling fixtures, sconces and more.
Replacing light fixtures is a little more advanced than some of the other home improvements you can make. Have a skilled friend with you or read up before you attempt this project. And as always, when dealing with electricity, turn the breaker off for the room in which you are working.
If you would prefer to hire an electrician, also consider adding recessed lighting. It can really open up the space, create better lighting and give you a more updated look.
No. 2: Update your bathroom vanity
If you have a solid bathroom vanity, consider painting it.
Most vanities from the '70s and '80s are relatively solid and with a quick coat of paint, can be given a beautifully updated look.
Buy a quart of tinted primer and paint in the color you would like to make your vanity, maybe a crisp white, chocolate brown or a more expressive color. Remove the doors, prime all of the wood and once it dries, put two coats of paint over the primer.
A way to put the finishing touches on this look is to also update the hardware. There are hundreds of decorative pieces you can choose from and it will bring your whole bathroom together.
You won't believe how easily this will update the look in just a few hours.
No. 1: Add a new coat of paint
The easiest way to improve your home's value is with an updated coat of paint. Paint will instantly brighten a room and it will seemingly wipe away the dirt and grime that has collected on the walls over the years.
Worried about picking a color? Think of what you want your room to look like, and create an inspiration file after flipping through magazines or surfing online. Experts at your local paint store can help you pick the right color.
Make sure you prep on the front end to save time and headaches on the back end. Tinted primer will save time on the number of coats it will take to put on the walls. Buy painter's tape to save on your trim and always paint over a drop cloth. If accidents do happen — and they will — have a wet rag ready and wipe up the paint right away.
Take before-and-after photos because even you will be amazed at what a huge transformations can happen by doing simple updates.


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Past performance is not a guide to future performance and may not be repeated. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amounts originally invested. All investments involve risks including the risk of possible loss of principal.
To the extent that you are in North America, this content is issued by Schroder Investment Management North America Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Schroders plc and SEC registered adviser providing asset management products and services to clients in the US and Canada.
For all other users, this content is issued by Schroder Investment Management Limited, 1 London Wall Place, London EC2Y 5AU. Registered No. 1893220 England. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.